Assessment of serum leptin,insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in patients with skin tags

Background Skin tags are common cutaneous lesions with an indefinite aetiology. Objectives To assess serum leptin, insulin resistance and metabolic syndrome in different body mass index (BMI) patients with skin tags. Methods Three equally distributed groups of patients with multiple skin tags: 30 normal BMI, 30 overweight and 30 obese were included. Controls were age‐, gender‐ and BMI‐matched healthy subjects. Serum leptin, insulin resistance based on homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA‐IR) and metabolic syndrome were assessed in all groups. Results Number and extent of skin tags increase with the increase in BMI. Highest leptin levels were found in obese patients, with significant differences when compared to normal BMI and overweight patients. Similar findings existed in controls. Significantly higher leptin levels were found in obese patients compared to obese controls. HOMA‐IR was significantly higher in all groups of patients compared to BMI‐counterpart controls. Seventy‐one per cent of patients fulfilled criteria of metabolic syndrome. Number of skin tags, leptin and HOMA‐IR were significantly higher in patients with metabolic syndrome compared to patients without the syndrome. Positive correlations were found between serum leptin and HOMA‐IR in obese patients and obese controls. Positive correlations were also found between number of skin tags and waist circumference in all groups of patients. Conclusions Serum leptin displays an association with obesity and insulin resistance. Assessment of HOMA‐IR in patients with skin tags may serve as a useful approach for diagnosis of insulin resistance. Waist circumference is the only criteria of metabolic syndrome that correlates with number of skin tags.     

Skin tag as a cutaneous marker for impaired carbohydrate metabolism: a case-control study

BACKGROUND: Skin tags are common benign skin tumors usually occurring on the neck and major flexors of older people. A possible association with impaired carbohydrate metabolism has been suggested in previous studies, but the results are not conclusive. OBJECTIVE: To investigate and compare the prevalence of diabetes and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in patients with skin tag and a control group. PATIENTS AND METHODS: A case-control study was conducted in individuals over 15 years old, comparing cases (n = 104) with at least three skin tags and age-, sex-, and body mass index (BMI)-matched controls (n = 94) without skin tag. Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. All patients underwent a standard 2-h oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose. RESULTS: Patients with skin tag had higher frequency of diabetes than the control group (23.07% vs. 8.51%, chi(2)-test, P = 0.005). The difference in the frequency of IGT was not significant (13.46% vs. 10.63%, chi(2)-test, P = 0.543). There was a positive correlation between the total number of skin tags and the mean fasting plasma glucose (Pearson correlation, r = 0.260, P = 0.031); patients with more than 30 skin tags were particularly at an increased risk of diabetes (52.0%). No correlation was found between the number of skin tags and BMI. We did not find any correlation between the anatomical localization of skin tags and impaired carbohydrate metabolism, except for skin tags under the breast in women. CONCLUSION: These results show an increased risk of diabetes mellitus in patients with multiple skin tags. With regard to the importance of early diagnosis of diabetes, we recommend a high level of suspicion for impaired carbohydrate metabolism in patients with skin tag.     

SERUM LEPTIN, ATHEROGENIC LIPIDS AND GLUCOSE LEVELS IN PATIENTS WITH SKIN TAGS

Aim:

To investigate the relationship between serum leptin, atherogenic lipid and glucose levels in patients with skin tags and healthy controls.

Materials and Methods:

A total of 58 patients, with at least three skin tags, aged 24 to 85 years, and 31 healthy controls aged 30 to 70 years, were examined in the present study. The subjects in all the groups were selected with statistically similar Body Mass Index (BMI). Fasting concentrations of plasma glucose, serum lipids including triglyceride, total cholesterol, and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL), HbA1c, and leptin were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In addition, serum LDL level was calculated using Friedewald''s formula.

Results:

There was no significant difference in age, sex, BMI, HbA1c, triglyceride, HDL and leptin levels between the groups. Skin tags group showed significantly higher levels of total cholesterol and LDL, when compared with the healthy controls groups (P < 0.01). In addition, regression analysis showed that leptin level was positively correlated to serum triglyceride level (r = 0.265, P = 0.044).

Conclusion:

Total cholesterol and LDL serum levels should be controlled in patients with skin tags. On the other hand, glucose, leptin and HbA1c serum levels may not be as important as is being considered in recent times.     

医学营养指导联合运动疗法对肥胖型多囊卵巢综合征患者糖脂代谢和胰岛素抵抗水平的影响

目的 基于限能量平衡膳食的医学营养指导联合运动疗法对肥胖型多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者糖脂代谢和胰岛素抵抗水平的影响.方法 选取2017年4月至2018年4月北京市垂杨柳医院诊治的90例肥胖型PCOS患者作为研究对象.按照数字随机原则分成两组,对照组(n=45)采用盐酸二甲双胍缓释片和艾塞那肽注射液治疗3个月,观察组...     

Is there a role for insulin resistance in nonobese patients with idiopathic hirsutism?

Background  Hirsutism is the presence of terminal hairs in women in a male-like pattern. It may result from various causes of androgen excess or may be idiopathic. Controversies exist concerning the presence of insulin resistance in idiopathic hirsutism (IH) or if it is a manifestation of a high body mass index (BMI).
Objectives  To assess insulin resistance in nonobese patients with IH.
Methods  The study included three groups of age- and BMI-matched nonobese women: 30 patients with IH (group 1), 20 patients with hirsutism associated with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) (group 2) and 20 healthy controls (group 3). The pattern of obesity based on waist to hip ratio (WHR), and insulin resistance based on fasting insulin levels and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) were assessed in all the groups.
Results  Sixteen patients with IH and 17 with PCOS had insulin resistance with statistically significant differences in fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR between the three groups, between patients with IH and healthy controls and between patients with PCOS and healthy controls; there were no significant differences between patients with IH and patients with PCOS. When classified according to the pattern of obesity, 23 patients in group 1, 17 in group 2 and two in group 3 had a WHR ≥ 0·85 (android obesity) with highly significant higher values of fasting insulin levels and HOMA-IR in patients with a WHR ≥ 0·85 when compared with those with a WHR < 0·85.
Conclusions  Insulin resistance occurs in nonobese patients with IH and appears to be related to android obesity.     

Dermatosis en pacientes con sobrepeso y obesidad y su relación con la insulina

IntroductionThe prevalence of obesity has increased worldwide in recent years. Some authors have described skin conditions associated with obesity, but there is little evidence on the association between insulin levels and such disorders.ObjectiveTo describe the skin disorders present in overweight and obese patients and analyze their association with insulin levels.Material and methodsThe study included nondiabetic male and female patients over 6 years of age who were seen at our hospital between January and April 2011. All the patients were evaluated by a dermatologist, who performed a physical examination, including anthropometry, and reviewed their medical history and medication record; fasting blood glucose and insulin were also measured. The patients were grouped according to degree of overweight or obesity and the data were compared using analysis of variance or the χ² test depending on the type of variable. The independence of the associations was assessed using regression analysis.ResultsIn total, 109 patients (95 adults and 13 children, 83.5% female) were studied. The mean (SD) age was 38 (14) years and the mean body mass index was 39.6 ± 8 kg/m². The skin conditions observed were acanthosis nigricans (AN) (in 97% of patients), skin tags (77%), keratosis pilaris (42%), and plantar hyperkeratosis (38%). Statistically significant associations were found between degree of obesity and AN (P = .003), skin tags (P = .001), and plantar hyperkeratosis. Number of skin tags, AN neck severity score, and AN distribution were significantly and independently associated with insulin levels.ConclusionsAN and skin tags should be considered clinical markers of hyperinsulinemia in nondiabetic, obese patients.     

核因子-kB、性激素与PCOS患者糖脂代谢的相关性

目的探讨血清中核因子-kB(NF-kB)和性激素水平与多囊卵巢综合征(PCOS)患者糖脂代谢的关系。方法选取2018年3月至2019年3月山东省龙口市人民医院诊治的56例PCOS患者作为研究对象。将这56例患者设为观察组,依据体质量指数(BMI)是否≥25 kg/m^2,再将受检者分为两个亚组,PCOS中肥胖者记为观察A组(n=26)、PCOS中非肥胖组记为观察B组(n=30),选取同期行孕期检查的健康孕妇30例为对照组。测定静脉血液中NF-kB、生殖激素水平以及血糖指标、血脂指标的相关性;使用皮尔逊(Pearson)相关系数分析各因素之间的相关性。结果观察A组患者血脂指标[低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)、甘油三酯(TG)]、血糖代谢功能指标[空腹胰岛素(FIN)、稳态胰岛素评价指数(HOMA-IR)]均显著高于观察B组,数据差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察B组患者4项指标均高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05)。观察A组患者血清中NF-Kb、促黄体生成素与促卵泡生成激素比值(LH/FSH)均高于观察B组和对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05),观察B组2项数据显著高于对照组,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);Pearson分析显示,观察A组和B组患者NF-kB指标与TG、LDL-C、FINS、LH/FSH有相关性,P<0.05;观察A组中NF-kB与MOHA-IR有相关性,差异具有统计学意义(P<0.05);观察A组患者NF-kB与LH/FSH存在相关性;血脂指标方面,观察A组和B组中LH/FSH与TC、TG、LDL-C、HDL-C、FIN和HOMA-IR指标均密切相关。结论核因子-kB以及性激素可能共同参与到PCOS发生和病情进展中,可以为临床诊断,治疗提供指导。     

Screening of glucose/insulin metabolic alterations in men with multiple skin tags on the neck

Multiple skin tags appear associated with abnormalities in glucose/insulin metabolism. Clinical and metabolic glucose/insulin characteristics of men with multiple (8 or more) skin tags on the neck were compared with a control group with few or none. Both groups were divided in two subgroups according to normal or abnormal laboratory findings. In the study subgroup with normal laboratory findings the number of skin tags varied from 8–33, whereas in those with abnormal laboratory findings the range was 9–65. Eight or more skin tags were related with statistically significant laboratory glucose/insulin abnormalities: basal hyperinsulinemia (p<0.002), postprandial hyperinsulinemia (p<0.003), and postprandial hyperglycemia (p<0.01). In the multiple skin tag group 77 % had diverse laboratory abnormalities, including insulin resistance, basal hyperinsulinemia, postprandial hyperinsulinemia, glucose intolerance or type 2 diabetes, in contrast with the control group, where only 33 % showed laboratory abnormalities. One‐third of the study group had acanthosis nigricans. Only 15 % of patients with metabolic abnormalities did not show any cutaneous expression of glucose/insulin alterations (9 or more skin tags on the neck, acanthosis nigricans, or waist circumference greater than 95 cm). Multiple skin tags were more sensitive than acanthosis nigricans in identifying those with alterations in the glucose/insulin metabolism (77 vs. 32 % respectively), although less specific (68 vs.100%). Multiple skin tags should raise suspicion of insulin resistance or hyperinsulinemia.     

Insulin resistance is increased in patients with vitiligo

The aim of this study was to evaluate the relationship between vitiligo and insulin resistance (IR). A total of 96 subjects were included in the study; 57 patients with vitiligo and 39 subjects in an age and a body mass index-matched control group. In fasting blood samples, insulin, C-peptide, glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) were measured. IR was calculated with the homeostasis model assessment-IR (HOMA-IR) method. Comparison of the vitiligo and the control groups revealed that patients with vitiligo had higher IR (2.3 vs. 2.0, p < 0.01), higher insulin and C-peptide levels (p < 0.001, p < 0.001, respectively), higher LDL/HDL ratio and lower HDL-C levels (p < 0.01, p < 0.0001, respectively). Systolic blood pressures of patients with vitiligo were also higher compared with control subjects (p < 0.01). Further experimental and clinical studies are needed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying this association.     

Lipid profile in actinic keratosis and basal cell carcinoma

BACKGROUND: The lipid content of the skin and its changes are important in the pathogenesis of many disorders affecting the skin, particularly actinic keratosis (AK) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). METHODS: Cholesterol, phospholipid, triglyceride, and total lipid levels were studied in paired lesional (AK and BCC) and nonlesional intact skin of 13 patients with AK and 12 patients with BCC. Serum concentrations of the same lipid fractions studied in the skin were investigated in AK and BCC patients and in 11 healthy, age-matched controls. RESULTS: Levels of all lipid fractions were increased in both AK and BCC skin. When AK and BCC skin were compared with each other, a significant increase in phospholipids (p < 0.02) and total lipids (p < 0.01) was found in BCC. Serum cholesterol (p < 0.001), phospholipid (p < 0.001), triglyceride (p < 0.05), and total lipid (p < 0.001) concentrations of AK patients were significantly higher than those of the control group. When BCC and controls were compared, a significant increase in phospholipids and total lipids (p < 0.001) was seen. Serum cholesterol in BCC patients was significantly lower (p < 0.001) and serum phospholipid levels were significantly higher (p < 0.05) than those in the AK group. CONCLUSIONS: An increase in the metabolically active serum phospholipid fraction is reflected in elevated neoplastic tissue phospholipid. This produces altered proportions between lipid fractions in tumorous areas and may result in changes in the intact nature of the cellular membrane, spread, and malignant proliferation.     

Adiponectin levels,insulin resistance and their relationship with serum levels of inflammatory cytokines in patients with Behçet’s disease

Aim Increased frequency of cardiovascular disease and its possible relations with insulin resistance have been reported in patients with inflammatory diseases. The aim of our study was to investigate insulin resistance and serum adiponectin levels as cardiovascular risk markers in patients with Behçet’s disease. Method Study population consisted of 40 patients with Behçet’s disease (BD) and a control group composed of age, gender, body mass index‐matched 46 healthy individuals. All patients were examined for signs of Behçet’s disease. Body mass index, waist and hip circumference were measured. Insulin resistance was evaluated using the homeostasis model assessment‐insulin resistance method. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), lipid profile, high sensitive CRP (hsCRP), adiponectin, TNF‐α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 levels were measured. Results Erythrocyte sedimentation rate, serum hsCRP and IL‐6 levels were significantly higher in patients with BD than those in the controls (P = 0.001, P = 0.001, P = 0.001, respectively). Fasting plasma glucose, insulin levels and lipid profile were not different between the two groups. Insulin resistance and decreased levels of the serum adiponectin were not detected in the patients. There was no relationship between insulin resistance, adiponectin levels and inflammatory markers. Active and inactive patients did not differ in respect of any parameters. Conclusion Being a systemic vasculitis, BD may cause cardiovascular involvement. In this study, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance and low adiponectin levels were not detected among our patients with Behçet’s disease. Our results suggest that there exists no increased risk for atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease associated with adiponectin levels and insulin resistance in patients with Behçet’s disease.     

Association of retinol binding protein4 (RBP4) and ghrelin plasma levels with insulin resistance and disease severity in non-diabetic patients with hidradenitis suppurativa

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic inflammatory disease associated with insulin resistance (IR). Retinol binding protein 4 (RBP4) and ghrelin are two bioactive proteins that have been involved in glucose metabolism and IR, but also in the regulation of immune and inflammatory processes. The aim of this study was to determine the serum levels of RBP4 and ghrelin in patients with HS, and to assess the possible relationship between these levels and IR, disease severity and HS risk. A total of 137 subjects (77 HS patients and 60 controls) without diabetes mellitus were enrolled in this cross-sectional study. Patients with HS had significantly higher RBP4 but lower ghrelin plasma levels than controls, independently of body mass index (BMI). Serum RBP4 levels were positively correlated to disease severity and IR in HS patients. However, we found no association between ghrelin levels and any clinical or laboratory parameters. Moreover, high serum RBP4 and low ghrelin levels were associated with an increased risk for HS. Our results suggest that high RBP4 levels may be a surrogate biomarker for IR in patients with HS. Moreover, increased RBP4 and decreased ghrelin levels could also be independent risk factors for the development of HS.     

Association of Adipokines,Insulin Resistance,Hypertension and Dyslipidemia in Patients with Psoriasis Vulgaris

BackgroundSystemic inflammation in psoriasis causes insulin resistance and cardiovascular diseases. Adipokines are adipose-tissue-derived factors that are involved in metabolic processes. It is thought that these adipokines are associated with the development of psoriasis.ObjectiveThe purpose of this study was to determine the changes in adipokine levels, insulin resistance, hypertension, and dyslipidemia over a 12-week period.MethodsThe study comprised 35 psoriasis patients and 50 controls. Blood samples were obtained twice from the patients, one sample at the start and one at the end of a 12-week follow-up period. The following parameters were assessed in both groups: serum fasting glucose, fasting insulin, homeostasis model assessment-estimated insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) index, serum lipids, adiponectin, leptin, resistin, chemerin, omentin, vaspin, visfatin, retinol-binding protein 4, and high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) levels; blood pressure; body mass index; and the psoriasis area severity index (PASI) scores.ResultsThe patients showed an improvement in the PASI score and a significant decrease in serum hs-CRP, omentin, and chemerin values. Moreover, at the start of the follow-up, the psoriasis patients had significantly lower levels of adiponectin and visfatin and significantly higher levels of vaspin and resistin than those of the control group. Visfatin levels correlated negatively with low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and cholesterol, while vaspin and omentin levels correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure. Decreased adiponectin levels correlated negatively with diastolic blood pressure and LDL.ConclusionPlasma levels of adipokines might be useful for evaluating the disease activity of psoriasis and its comorbidities.     

系统性红斑狼疮患者血清脂质水平与病情活动的相关分析

目的评估未经治疗的系统性红斑狼疮(SLE)患者血清脂质水平,探讨其与SLE病情活动关系。方法分别检测38例未经治疗的SLE患者及30例健康查体者血清脂质水平,比较两组血清脂质水平的差异,并分析SLE患者组血清脂质水平与SLE患者病情活动的关系。结果未经治疗的SLE患者血清TG和VLDL水平较对照组增高,HDL水平较对照组降低。HDL水平与SLE疾病活动指数(SLEDAI)及ds-DNA滴度呈负相关,与补体C3和补体C4水平呈正相关。结论在未经治疗的SLE患者中,脂代谢异常已经存在,其中HDL与SLE病情活动密切相关。     

Skin surface lipids in HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis.

Skin surface lipids of patients affected with seborrheic dermatitis both HIV sero-negative (C group) and HIV sero-positive (B group) have been studied by capillary Gas chromatography-Mass spectrometry (GC-MS) in comparison with normal age matched controls (A group) to determine whether, among the three groups of individuals, there were qualitative and quantitative changes in lipid class composition and in the fatty acid and alcohol components of lipid fractions. With regard to percent composition of skin surface lipid fractions, no significant differences were found between HIV sero-positive and HIV sero-negative patients with seborrheic dermatitis. The observed significant reduction of total lipids (micrograms/sq cm) in the sites affected with the disease in comparison with controls was associated with a slight but significant decrease of squalene (P less than 0.05) and with a corresponding increase of cholesterol and cholesterol esters (P less than 0.05). These abnormalities in lipid fractions and total lipids were not observed in the uninvolved skin of subjects with seborrheic dermatitis. Fatty acid and alcohol patterns of skin lipid fractions were not significantly different among the three groups of individuals.     

寻常型银屑病与血脂代谢异常相关性分析

目的通过分析相关临床资料,探讨寻常型银屑病患者伴血脂代谢异常之间的相关性。方法收集2017年12月至2018年5月在我院门诊及住院治疗的143例寻常型银屑病患者作为观察组,选取同期健康体检的人员143例作为对照组。收集两组人员的一般资料,检测血脂指标、炎性指数。结果观察组体重指数(BMI)、中性粒细胞与淋巴细胞比值(NLR)、甘油三酯(TG)、总胆固醇(TC)、低密度脂蛋白胆固醇(LDL-C)高于对照组,高密度脂蛋白胆固醇(HDL-C)水平低于对照组(P<0.05)。结论NLR水平可反映寻常型银屑病的炎症程度,患者肥胖、脂代谢紊乱、炎症程度与寻常型银屑病密切相关。     

Plasma lipid changes in psoriatic children.

Plasma lipid, lipoprotein and apoprotein concentrations were determined in psoriatic children and in healthy controls. The plasma total cholesterol (TC) was higher than in controls (p = 0.03). The higher cholesterol levels were explained by an almost significant increase in cholesterol associated with high-density lipoproteins and by the tendency towards higher values of cholesterol associated with low-density lipoproteins and very-low-density lipoproteins. No significant changes of plasma triglycerides were observed. Levels of apoproteins (apo) AI and apo B were not significantly different in psoriatic children; however, the levels of apo B were correlated differently with plasma TC in psoriatic children, and the ratio TC/apo B was significantly increased in patients with respect to the controls, suggesting some differences of plasma lipoprotein lipid/apoprotein relationship in psoriasis.     

Effect of narrowband ultraviolet B therapy on inflammatory markers and body fat composition in moderate to severe psoriasis

Background Previous studies have shown increased prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with psoriasis. Objectives To characterize the anthropometric and metabolic profile of Spanish patients with moderate to severe psoriasis compared with controls without psoriasis matched for gender, age and body mass index (BMI), and to evaluate the impact of narrowband ultraviolet B (NB‐UVB) therapy on patient profiles. Methods Baseline waist circumference, body fat composition, lipid, carbohydrate and calcium metabolism profile, inflammation markers, homocysteine, vitamins D, B₆ and B₁₂ and folic acid of 50 patients with psoriasis and 50 matched controls were recorded then evaluated after NB‐UVB in patients with psoriasis and correlated with clinical outcome. Results Despite very similar BMIs, 54% of patients met International Diabetes Foundation criteria for metabolic syndrome compared with 42% of controls (P = 0·01); body fat was 29·9% in patients and 28·0% in controls (P = 0·037), correlating with waist circumference; while patient atherogenic profiles were less favourable, with higher apolipoprotein B and low density lipoprotein cholesterol than controls, and both patients and controls showed insufficient vitamin D serum levels (< 20 ng mL^?1). Mean improvement of Psoriasis Area and Severity Index (PASI) after NB‐UVB was 78·2%. Ferritin, B₁₂ and C‐reactive protein decreased significantly after NB‐UVB therapy. Vitamin D levels reached adequate levels after phototherapy; however, no relationship with PASI improvement was observed. Conclusions We characterized inflammatory and atherogenic profiles of Spanish patients with psoriasis compared with matched controls. After NB‐UVB therapy we demonstrated improvement in psoriasis and some systemic inflammation markers, which were not mediated by enhancement of vitamin D synthesis.     

A study of the prevalence of diabetes, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis

Background:

The association between psoriasis, diabetes, and cardiovascular disease remains largely unelucidated in the Indian population.

Aims:

To study the prevalence of diabetes, insulin resistance, lipid abnormalities, and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with chronic plaque psoriasis.

Materials and Methods:

Seventy-seven patients of chronic plaque psoriasis and ninety two age- and sex-matched controls were enrolled in the study over a period of one year. Clinical and biometric data were noted and fasting venous blood samples were collected. Nondiabetic patients were subjected to an oral glucose tolerance test with 75 g glucose and postprandial venous blood samples collected at 120 mins. The fasting glucose, insulin, lipid levels, postprandial glucose and postprandial insulin levels were measured in samples from nondiabetic patients whereas fasting lipid levels only were measured in diabetic patients.

Results:

The prevalence of impaired fasting glucose, impaired glucose tolerance, and diabetes mellitus in psoriatics was 5.2%, 9.1%, and 32.5%, respectively, as compared to 6.5%, 3.3%, and 15.2%, respectively, in the controls. The difference was statistically significant. The odds ratio of having an abnormal glucose metabolism in psoriasis was 2.63. Smoking had a positive association with insulin resistance in psoriatic cases. The serum cholesterol levels were elevated in 29 (37.7%) cases with a mean of 186.27 ± 43.18 and 34 (37%) controls with a mean of 194.38 ± 57.20. The serum HDL-cholesterol levels were reduced in 50 (64.9%) cases with a mean of 53.29 ± 15.90 as compared to 71 (74.7%) in controls with a mean of 48.76 ± 12.85. The serum LDL-cholesterol levels were elevated in 38 (49.4%) cases with a mean of 102.56 ± 44.02 and 36 controls with a mean of 115.62 ± 54.37. The serum triglyceride levels were elevated in 25 (32.5%) cases with a mean of 129.99 ± 61.32 and 38 (41.3%) controls with a mean of 141.04 ± 80.10. The differences between the two groups were not statistically significant. The two groups did not differ with respect to other cardiovascular risk factors such as increased body mass index, increased waist size, increased waist-to-hip ratio, and hypertension.

Conclusion:

There is a positive association between insulin resistance and psoriasis. No association between psoriasis and dyslipidemia has been found in this study.     

Is there any relation between serum insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I in non‐diabetic patients with skin tag?

Background Skin tags are common benign lesion occurring mainly on the neck and major flexures as a small soft pedunculated protrusion. This study evaluate insulin and insulin‐like growth factor‐I (IGF‐I) in non‐diabetic ones. Methods and materials A case–control study was conducted in non‐diabetic persons. Comparing insulin and IGF‐I between matched cases (n = 40) and controls (n = 40) by radioimmunoassay test. Cases and controls were recruited from patients consecutively seen at an academic outpatient dermatology clinic. Results The insulin level in patients with skin tags was significantly higher than controls (P = 0.00) but IGF‐I level was not significantly different (P = 0.43). Conclusion These results show an increased insulin level in non‐diabetics ones and overall importance of insulin effect in pathogenesis of skin tags.